2024 Australian Dolphin Series – Hourglass Dolphin 1oz .999 Silver Bullion Coin

The Hourglass Dolphin is the sixth and the latest release in the Royal Australian Mint’s Dolphin series following the Bottlenose Dolphin (2019), Spinner Dolphin (2020), Fraser’s Dolphin (2021), Dusky Dolphin (2022) and Rough-Toothed Dolphin (2023).

Rarely sighted, it is thought this species is the only cetacean to be classified simply by eye-witness accounts. Petite in build, the Hourglass Dolphin measures up to 1.8 metres long and weighs up to 120 kilograms, with females thought to be larger than males.

While pods of up to approximately 100 Hourglass Dolphins have been seen, they prefer to travel in smaller groups of about a dozen. Inhabiting Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, the Hourglass Dolphin prefers deep water and rarely ventures to water warmer than 13 degrees celsius.

Living life in the fast lane, they’ve reportedly been seen surfing the bow-wake of fast boasts and can swim at speeds of up to 22 kilometres an hour.

Struck by Royal Australian Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and has a mintage of 25,000.

DESIGN

The reverse features a striking design of two Hourglass Dolphins with their distinctive markings resembling an hourglass, as they frolic in the water amongst a sun on the horizon. The reverse also features the inscriptions “HOURGLASS DOLPHIN” as well as the weight and fineness.

The obverse features the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III as well as the monetary denomination and 2024 year-date.

PRESENTATION

Each coin is presented in a protective capsule. Multiples of 10 are presented in a sealed roll.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT